RTB-53-P1 – Notice of Additional Rent Increase – Eligible Capital Expenditures (Phase 1 & 2) in British Columbia

The “Notice of Additional Rent Increase – Eligible Capital Expenditures (Phase 1) in British Columbia” form, identified as RTB-53-P1, is designed for landlords to officially notify tenants about an impending rent increase. This step follows a successful application for an additional rent increase BC due to eligible capital expenditures. The form mandates that the decision from the application, along with form RTB-53-P1D detailing the RTB rent increase, be attached. It outlines the necessity for landlords to provide a minimum of three months’ notice prior to the rent increase’s effectuation and stresses the annual limit on rent increases, alongside the conditions for the increase’s legality and the specific methods for serving this notice to tenants. The form includes sections for tenant and landlord information, the notice of rent increase, and a declaration by the landlord or their agent affirming the accuracy of the information provided.

The “Notice of Additional Rent Increase – Eligible Capital Expenditures (Phase 2) in British Columbia” form, also identified as RTB-53-P1, serves as a formal notification by landlords to tenants regarding rent increases subsequent to approved applications for additional rent increases due to eligible capital expenditures. This document is essential for landlords who have undergone the specified process and need to communicate the increase to their tenants. It requires the attachment of the decision from the application for Additional Rent Increase for Eligible Capital Expenditures and the detailed form RTB-53-P1D. The notice must be served to the tenant with a minimum three-month lead time before the increase takes effect, adhering to specific annual and timing restrictions outlined for rent adjustments. The form also guides on serving the notice in accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act and emphasizes the importance of following the calculated increase amount as per regulations or an arbitrator’s order. Sections within the form include Tenant and Landlord Information, Notice of Rent Increase, and a Declaration by the landlord or agent certifying the accuracy of the information provided.

Filling out the “Notice of Additional Rent Increase – Eligible Capital Expenditures” forms (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in British Columbia is a crucial process for landlords who have been approved for a rent increase due to eligible capital expenditures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete these forms:

General Instructions:

• Before starting, ensure you have received approval for an additional rent increase from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) regarding your capital expenditures.
• Have the decision document ready, as it needs to be attached to the Notice of Additional Rent Increase form.
• Also, ensure you have the accompanying form RTB-53-P1D filled with the details of the rent increase.

Section 1: Tenant Information

1. Rental Unit Address: Enter the complete address of the rental unit, including unit/suite number, street address, city, and postal code.
2. Tenant(s): Provide the full names of all tenants residing in the rental unit. Include first and last names.
3. Email Address: Fill in the email addresses of the tenant(s), if available.
4. Mailing Address: If the mailing address is different from the rental unit address, specify it here along with the city, province/state, and postal/ZIP code.
5. Contact Phone Number: Enter a contact phone number for the tenant(s).

Section 2: Landlord Information

1. Landlord’s Name: Include the first and last name of the landlord. If the property is owned by a business, include the business name.
2. Email Address: Provide an email address for communications.
3. Address: Enter the address from which the landlord operates, including any applicable unit number, street address, city, province/state, and postal/ZIP code.
4. Contact Phone Number: Provide a contact number for the landlord or management.
5. Additional Landlords: If there are additional landlords or a separate mailing address is needed, mention that Form #RTB-26 will be included with the application.

Section 3: Notice of Rent Increase

1. Last Rent Increase Date: Indicate the date the last rent increase took effect, or if this is the first increase, the date the rent was established.
2. Current Rent: State the tenant’s current rent amount.
3. New Rent: Indicate the new rent amount after the increase, as calculated on form RTB-53-P1D.
4. Effective Date: Specify the date the new rent will be payable, ensuring it follows the required notice period and timing restrictions.

Section 4: Declaration

• The landlord or the landlord’s authorized agent must sign the declaration, certifying that all information provided is accurate to the best of their knowledge. Include the name (printed), signature, and the date signed.

Additional Instructions

• Review all sections carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Attach the decision document from the RTB and the completed form RTB-53-P1D detailing the rent increase.
• Serve the notice to the tenant(s) following the guidelines provided, ensuring at least three full months’ notice before the increase takes effect.
• Remember, serving the notice by mail is considered received on the 5th day after it was mailed.

This guide is meant to assist in the process, but always refer to the latest regulations and guidelines provided by the Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia for the most current information.

Rent Increase Calculator BC

The allowable rent increase in British Columbia for 2024 is set at a maximum of 3.5%. This adjustment is decided by the province’s Residential Tenancy Branch, reflecting a commitment to align rent increases somewhat with inflation, providing relief to renters facing high living costs. Landlords are required to give tenants a minimum of three months’ notice before implementing a rent increase, which can only occur once every 12 months. For a detailed calculation based on your specific rent, you can use the RTB rent increase calculator provided by the government​​.